POTENTIAL PREDICTORS OF LOW BONE MINERAL DENSITY IN YOUNG UNMARRIED GIRLS UNDER 25 BASED ON MENSTRUAL STATUS

Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is a crucial indicator of skeletal health, particularly in young women, where a multitude of biological, lifestyle, and environmental factors intersect to shape bone development and maintenance. This study investigates the potential predictors of low BMD among unmarried girls under 25 years of age in Pakistan, with a specific focus on menstrual status and related determinants. Utilizing a cross-sectional study design, data were collected from 240 participants through structured questionnaires and validated assessment tools.The study revealed that irregular menstrual cycles, inadequate dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D, limited physical activity, and high consumption of junk food are significant predictors of low BMD. Among the participants, 56% exhibited menstrual irregularities, and 87.5% reported insufficient calcium intake, while 93 individuals led a sedentary lifestyle. Ethnicity, socio-economic status, and family history of fractures were also analyzed as contributing factors. Statistical analysis demonstrated strong associations between menstrual regularity and BMD levels (p < 0.05), with additional significant correlations noted for dietary habits and physical activity levels.This research highlights the alarming prevalence of risk factors for low BMD in young women and underscores the urgent need for early interventions. Public health campaigns promoting balanced diets, regular physical activity, and awareness about menstrual health are imperative to mitigate the risk of future osteoporosis and fractures in this demographic. These findings provide a foundation for developing tailored prevention strategies and call for further longitudinal studies to establish causality. The implications of this research extend to healthcare policy, emphasizing the role of educational and community-based programs in fostering bone health in young women.